When someone you care for gets pregnant, presents or gifts may be a little tricky – what will they like? What would be safe for them? What could she need right now? Well, wonder no more, as someone has actually researched and sourced products especially for expecting women. I had recently been seeing a lot of these pretty boxes around, and was thrilled someone had actually started doing this in Malaysia.
Before She Pops is a subscription service that curates beautiful gift boxes filled with pregnancy must-have products for expecting mothers. Each box contains items that cater specifically to the three pregnancy trimesters. All three trimester boxes contain a unique set of products, such as organic teas, bath & body products and other delightful surprises.
Helpful and safe products to your doorstep
Founder and CEO Zuliana Zulkiflee Abbas was a full-time Green Building Consultant and took the last month off to work from home during her third trimester. She and her husband both decided she shouldn’t be driving during this time, and this was when the idea for Before She Pops came about. “I didn’t have the energy to look for things and I did a lot of research – I was constantly Googling what was safe to consume during pregnancy. As I knew working women usually did not really have time to do research, I wanted to provide something that could help. I thought of a box that had products which were 100% safe for pregnant women. The best part? The box would be delivered to your doorstep! That was what I wanted for myself,” Zuliana said.
Zuliana gave birth to her daughter in February 2017, and soon decided to quit her full-time job. She ran her idea past her husband and sister, and they encouraged her to pursue it. With that, Zuliana started scouting for items and suppliers in May. It took her 3 months from planning to execution and in August 2017, she started Before She Pops with help from her well-known graphic designer sister, Zurisha, who runs TinyType.
Before She Pops currently comes in three boxes:
First trimester – Nausea Battle Kit RM190
Second trimester – Bring on the Babymoon RM250
Third trimester – Ready to Pop RM280
Products for each box range from body oils that prevent stretch marks and travel socks, to scented candles and foot soaks. There are many other products tailored specially to pampering mummies-to-be, and each box even comes with pregnancy milestone cards. Most of the products are from local small businesses run by women. Mini Boxes for second and third trimesters will also be launched soon. Zuliana is even already working on boxes for ‘After She Pops’ for the pantang (confinement) period. Definitely can’t wait to see that!
Mother and Businesswoman
For Zuliana, work time is when she sends her daughter to play school twice a week, or when the little one is asleep. When I asked her how it was like changing from a full time office job to becoming a mother with her own business, her face gleamed. “It is tiring but I have more control over my time. Time management is very important. For me, it’s been a very fulfilling journey becoming a mother. I am thankful for the support from my husband and family members. They are all so supportive and volunteer to take care of my daughter. Just like now – my aunt’s taking care of her so that I can meet you!” she said.
Celebrate the mother
“I got so emotional when I was sending my first boxes out. It was surreal and exciting. My other baby was making its debut into the world. My goal is for mothers to pamper and take care of themselves before they become mothers. I’d like to celebrate the journey towards parenthood. Once you become a mother, it’s all about the baby. You can’t be a good mother if you’re not happy yourself,” Zuliana said.
Before She Pops can be found on Instagram and Facebook, or email beforeshepops@gmail.com.
